By Kippy Marks–
When a candidate campaigns to become a Grand Duke or Grand Duchess, there is always a representation of colors that allows voters to know whom they are voting for. In most cases, candidates will also have a “catchphrase” and a coronation theme for their step-down. Here is a look back at what those were from 1993–1997.
1993–1994
The 21st Royal House of United Friendship
Grand Duke XX Will Sweet (deceased)
Colors: none
Symbol: white lion
Grand Duchess XXI Ro Flack Franklin (deceased)
Colors: none
Symbol: Black lady
Coronation Theme: “Russia and all that Jazz – A Troupe Thru the 40s”
In 1993, the corporation was re-established and the 21st Royal House included the first monarchs to reign under the new bylaws. This new corporation as well as the bylaws helped to elevate the then 20-year organization into a legal entity. This all happened through the dedicated efforts of Alex Romanoff and Diva La Fever. We will learn more about these two in future issues.
1994–1995
The 22nd Royal House of Pork and Beans
Grand Duke XXI Frank Stevens
Colors: pink, silver, black
Symbol: pig
Always saying: “Joey, where are your teeth?”
Grand Duchess XXII Joey (deceased)
Colors: fuchsia, purple, and gold
Symbol: golden fawn
Always saying: “Well, another day”
Coronation Theme: “Russia Space Station the Year 2221 – The Masquerade Ball”
I spoke with Grand Duke Frank Stevens about his reign and he shared, “One of my favorite memories was Easter Sunday at the Eagle and Empress Marlena was supposed to be one of the auctioneers. No Marlena, then this big huge rabbit hopped on stage. I didn’t know who the heck it was. They grabbed the microphone and it was Marlena. She blew everybody away. It was a great time that day. I love her for that!”
Stevens added, “The backbone of our court that year was Empress Marlena, Empress Ginger, Grand Duchess Susie Wong, and our sweet Grand Duchess Davita Ashton. My saying that year was, ‘Joey where’s your teeth?’ They were always in her plastic bag she always carried! Bless her heart. I miss her so much.”
1995–1996
The 23rd Royal House of Unity and Trust
Grand Duke XXII Don Woods (deceased)
Colors: blue and silver
Symbol: diamond chip
Always saying: “Just try it.”
Grand Duchess XXIII Renita Valdez
Colors: red, gold, purple
Symbol: burrito bombshell
Always saying: “What’s your point?”
Coronation Theme: “All aboard the Orient Express from St. Petersburg to San Francisco”
Grand Duke Don Woods would go on after serving as Grand Duke to help establish the Alameda Ducal Court. Don served as Royal Grand Duke of Alameda in several reigns and remained active until his passing. It is also noted that during his reign the Royal Baby Contest was started.
Grand Duchess Renita Valdez is an active member of the Grand Ducal Council and continues to perform and raise funds for both the Council of Grand Duke and Duchess of San Francisco and the Mother Court of The Imperial Council of San Francisco.
1996–1997
The 24th Royal House of Harmony and Strength
Grand Duke XXIII Gail Wood (deceased)
Colors: purple and gold
Symbol: Russian bear
Always saying: “I love you, Tiger.”
Grand Duchess: XXIV Tiger Lily
Colors: red, gold, and purple
Symbol: tiger
Coronation: “A Night at the Russian Circus”
On September 22, 2023, the Grand Ducal Council of San Francisco will celebrate 50 years of Camp and Fundraising. The celebration will take place at the Academy of Sciences in San Francisco. Please consider becoming a sponsor.
Inquiries: 50thanniversary@sfducal.org
Tickets ($60) will go on sale from March 1, 2023–August 25, 2023, with a hard stop on that final date. Save the dates then both for your ticket purchases and for this once-in-a-lifetime historic event!
Kippy Marks is Grand Duke XL of The Grand Ducal Council of San Francisco. He is the first ever elected African-American Grand Duke.
Celebrating 50 Years of the Grand Ducal Council of San Francisco
Published on February 23, 2023
Recent Comments